Mountain Overlook on Cooper Mill Road: Bald Eagle State Forest

Another often overlooked scenic overlook is the basic, but aptly named, "Mountain Overlook" on Cooper Mill Road in Bald Eagle State Forest. This understated spot does not even really have a name and it gives just a spectacular view of the valley and next set of mountains. This is off to the side of a state forest road and you basically just run into it as you are riding. The views are stunning and it is easily one of the best in the region. It is located very close to Sand Bridge State Park. but also on a very rugged state forest road that you need to be mindful of with road clearances and probably should not attempt in winter months. 

We have visited this overlook twice now, both times in randomly driving by it. It is pretty awesome and easy to find, though still quite remote. For more info on the bountiful overlooks within Bald Eagle State Forest, check out our guide to them. 

Coordinates:

41.005269138060186, -77.11606725687746

Heath Township Sportsmens Club Co-Op Trout Nursery in the Clarion River Valley & Jefferson County

I always love stopping at fish hatcheries, and the Heath Township Sportsmens Club Co-Op Trout Nursery is no exception. From they have tiny fish all the way up to trophy sized large fish. They have fish food available for purchase with a donation, and it is always entertaining to feed them. The pups also had a blast looking at the fish in action. 

The club raises fish for a youth fishing tournament every year at nearby Clear Creek State Park. 

We stumbled upon the nursery while driving up the Clarion River on a scenic drive during a stay in the beautiful cabins at Clear Creek State Park. This is the perfect kind of area to go on long and rambling scenic drives. The Clarion River Valley is so scenic and perfect for getting away at.

I noticed both palominos and rainbows, though I was not looking too hard at the markings on the fish.

The waterfall created by this old dam is really striking. The Callen Run Dam is a century old and slated for removal, which could threaten the future of the nursery for having a constant water source, though removal would help the stream be better for wild trout populations and help the colder water enter the river to sustain the trout within the Clarion River and the overall ecosystem. 

We also saw an eagle while we were at the hatchery, though they have decent netting over the hatchery pools in order to protect them. 

We definitely recommend checking this out as part of a scenic ride through the area. It would be a great place to bring a picnic lunch. 

Sensory Paved Trail in Cook Forest State Park: Opening Access to Nature to Everyone

I am deeply passionate about expanding access to nature for as many people as possible. In the field I work in, I often see families that are unable to take their children with exceptionalities out to experience nature because often there is little to no focus in public planning when it comes to this. These are families that need this kind of escape as much as anyone else. In recent years, there has been a great emphasis upon expanding access to nature for all. My two favorite examples of this within the state have been in Erie at Asbury Woods, where they have created an entire boardwalk through a stunning forest area, and at Presque Isle State Park where they have opened up a beach that is ADA accessible. 

While this is not really possible to do in an area with steep hills like the Forest Cathedral in Cook Forest State Park, up at the top of the ridge in the park, in a flatter section of woods, they have fixed and improved a trail that was initially built for that purpose. 

The trail had fallen into a dilapidated state and been cratered and covered with slippery moss. A joint effort has greatly improved the trail by resurfacing it (albeit still having some rutting due to the pavement being aged) widening it with crushed stone, adding cables along the edges to help keep people centered on the trail, putting interpretive signs up with raised letters and braille that explain certain phenomena along the trail and within the park, and adding ample benches for sitting space. 

They did their best to utilize the infrastructure that was there and bolstered it. Thanks to this effort, the trail is now accessible to many more people. Everyone should have the right to be able to enjoy public lands in the outdoors for relaxation, healing, personal growth, and bonding with the people in their lives. 

There was also a period in time where I dealt with an injury and was unable to access the outdoors and hiking for more than a year. The perspective I gained in that was in just how cast out one can feel when the things that you love are completely unaccessible to you. 

Nature already took out one of the new benches

The isolation that I felt was tremendous, and that was only temporary for me. Knowing that empowering and empathetic driven efforts like this help bring comfort to people who deal with that situation is something that I am incredibly grateful for. I hope to continue to see this trend of enhancing access to nature for all to continue. 

I am so glad that this effort has been made to open up access to this bucolic landscape to more people. The trail is located up past the Sawmill Center for the Performing Arts, at the every end of that road. You cannot miss it. The trail is a quarter mile long. 

We highly recommend everyone check out this trail and encourage your local public park facilities to place a strong emphasis on access for all to nature. For more info about exploring Cook Forest State Park, check out our recreational guide on it. 

GPS Coordinates to Trailhead and parking:

41.35242, -79.22137

 

Sara's Restaurant: Yummy Americana at Presque Isle State Park & Waldameer Park in Erie

For us, one of the first places we ever went to in Erie on a beautiful day at the beach and riding the great rides at Waldameer Park was Sara's Restaurant in Erie. It is home to delicious and affordable food and is the epitome of Americana for us. Best of all, the outdoor seating is dog friendly and they even make ice cream sundaes specifically for the pups. Sara's serves classic drive-in style food, including burgers, hot dogs, fries, zucchini fries, milkshakes, ice cream, and more. 

For 42 years, visitors to Erie and Presque Isle State Park have gone to this restaurant and it seems to be even more popular than ever. It is a booming place, along with its neighbor across the street, Waldameer and Water World. Visiting them is something that is so special for us. A flavor that you just never forget. Comfort food that you recognize immediately and you know that you are at your happy place. It is a tough thing to fully describe a feeling, but Sara's is such a special place for us.

This special place was created with that plucky entrepreneurial spirit of the Erie region. The owner founded an ice cream stand at the suggestion of his mother, and then named it Sara's after his mother. Since then, no visit to Erie in the spring, summer, or fall is complete without getting a delicious meal from them. In addition to the food, the experience is just great. They have purchased all sorts of antique signs, an antique gas pump, and even an old stainless diner building. I feel like Sara's and nearby Waldameer Park bring the boardwalk experience to the beach experience of Presque Isle State Park. 

Burgers, zucchini fries, and a shake, yum yum!

Buddy and CeCe enjoying the dog sundae. These were the last few hours that Buddy had to wear his cone. We rescued him just a week before and this was his first trip. 

Sara's is such a special place and we always highly recommend checking it out. It is open from Spring through Fall and 

Buttonwood Covered Bridge, Lycoming County

Buttonwood Covered Bridge in Lycoming County is a cute little span in a rugged rural spot. A lumber operation runs adjacent to it, showcasing the heritage that led to the bridge getting built in the first place. The symbolism is not lost on me. Often times, the mill or commercial activity around the bridge 

I understand the importance of the so called "headache bars" for ensuring people follow the height requirement. Aesthetically displeasing, but sadly necessary. Either way though, this is a neat span. It is 74 feet long and crosses Blockhouse Creek. 

It has Queen Post Construction with a King Post Truss. Some sources say it was built in 1898, and other sources say it was built in 1878. Origins look murky. Lycoming County takes care of its preservation and really does a nice job with things. 

You can see this bridge if you look to the east on US 15/Interstate 99 in Jackson Township, Lycoming County, and is located on Covered Bridge Road. It is a fine spot to get out and stretch your legs if you are on a road trip out this way. 

Big Mike's Steaks and Hoagies and Forksville Covered Bridge: Near Worlds End State Park in Sullivan County's Endless Mountains

Just about the last place you would expect to find an authentic Philly cheesesteak is in the middle of the woods, about 3 hours from the city, but that is the case at Big Mike's Steaks and Hoagies at the historic Forksville General Store building, just outside of the Worlds End State Park boundary in one of the most scenic and remote areas of the state. They have ample space indoors, and a beautiful grove outdoors that overlooks beautiful Loyalsock Creek and the large and historic Forksville Covered Bridge. Additionally, the outdoor grove dining area is dog friendly, which is perfect for us. 

This place has one of the most compelling and random backstories of any eatery. Big Mike moved to the area and opened up his eatery in 1999 and it has steadily grown ever since. It is definitely booming now, which is awesome for the area. It is a lively hub of activity in one of the most beautiful areas of the state. He has opened up a South Philly style cheesesteak shop in this area, and it really is an anchor for the whole area. 

They also authentically source their bread and more, right from Philly. They also have sodas from Allentown's fantastic A-Treat and other delicious menu options that are not cheesesteaks as well.

The food is fantastic and the scenery is incredible. Such a pleasant place to spend some time and relax. We highly recommend visiting it and the beautiful surrounding area. It is located just off the edge of World's End State Park, and about a 40 minute ride west from Rickett's Glen State Park. If you are coming to Rickett's Glen from the west, like we do, we definitely recommend routing yourself through Forksville to get a bite to eat at Big Mike's and visit Worlds End State Park as well. 

For more info on visiting them, check out their website at https://www.forksvillestore.com

Highland Park Dam Overlook Park, Highland Park Bridge & Brilliant Branch Bridge: Allegheny River

The Highland Park Dam Overlook in Pittsburgh gives of a view of one of the lock and dams that allows the Allegheny River to be navigable by boats. It also gives a view of two neat bridges that have been critical to the infrastructure of the city, the Highland Park Bridge, and the Brilliant Branch Railroad Bridge. The Highland Park Bridge's completion dates back to 1939 and it is the key road bridge link that takes people out of Pittsburgh city limits to the north and northwest. 

The Brilliant Branch Railroad Bridge, dating back to 1904, is seldom used these days, and I believe its days of handling rail traffic are over, for it is set to carry a rail trail across the river. When the Pennsylvania Railroad was chock full of passenger rail traffic, the Brilliant Branch was used to bypass the heavy rail traffic of the Main Line within Pittsburgh and it carried trains over to the Conemaugh Line, which in itself was also a mostly freight bypass of the Main Line. The Conemaugh Line still sees heavy use to this day. The Brilliant Line was created to join the two lines and provide an additional relief valve, but was not particularly useful once passenger service dwindled in the 50s and 60s. The most stunning part of this line can be seen in a large stone arch rail bridge just up the road on Washington Blvd. Most recently, the bridge has seen occasional local traffic from the Allegheny Valley Railroad freight line, though the line had sat abandoned since 1976 when Conrail let the line go. The AVRR started using the line in 2003, though its primary customer that it serviced, using the bridge, has since gone out of business. It has occasionally been used as a detour while other rail bridges were being repaired. The line has sat mostly unused, aside from the wye at the end of the Brilliant Branch, at its junction with the old main line, where the daily Amtrak Pennsylvanian turns around when it terminates in Pittsburgh in the evening. The train turns around using the wye so that it is facing eastward on its daily journey to Philadelphia and New York City. In 2022, the Brilliant line was sold to a local group which is going to convert the line into a bike and pedestrian trail, which should be a phenomenal boost to transportation and quality of life for communities on both sides of the river.